The Cowboys were delivered a mostly favourable draw following the shortening of the season to 20 rounds.

The only top eight teams from last season that the Cowboys have to face twice are the Sharks and Broncos, who finished seventh and eighth respectively in 2019.

The toll of same day travel from Townsville will be eased by mostly late afternoon and night games, and the Cowboys will face both of last year's grand finalists, the Roosters and Raiders, at home in Townsville.

After losing the season-opener against Brisbane at the new QCB Stadium in Townsville, Holmes said the Cowboys wanted to restart the season well.

Holmes’ official NRL return was a tough one. Photo: Matt Taylor.

"We wanted to win that first game, our new stadium and my club debut. I'm annoyed we didn't win that," he said.

"It wasn't the best start I wanted.

"I've got to do what I can to fit in well with this team. I've got to work on how I play and my combinations with my edges.

"I don't want to change the way anyone plays. I need to adapt to the way this team plays.

"I'm sure those relationships with the rest of the boys will come over the next few weeks."

The Cowboys have received solid free-to-air exposure with another six matches on Channel 9.

They will finish the 2020 regular season with a blockbuster Queensland derby against the Broncos at Suncorp Stadium.